NE-RBL Information Summary

The New England Regional Biosafety Laboratory Information Summary includes information about the mission and capabilities of the facility.

New England Regional Biosafety Laboratory Information for Researchers

The New England Regional Biosafety Laboratory (NE-RBL) is available to regional investigators—including scientists from academia, not-for-profit organizations, industry and government—studying biodefense and emerging infectious diseases requiring biosafety level 3 (BSL3) laboratories and or animal accommodations. All work must be in compliance with applicable federal and university regulations and the NIH mandates federally funded investigators whose work involves Category A–C Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases (BEID) have priority access. The laboratory is located in Grafton Science Park, adjacent to the campus of the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, in North Grafton, MA.

The NE-RBL is able to serve investigators that require:

  • BSL3 aerobiology and insectary capabilities;
  • small animal models, including rodents, rabbits, birds and piglets;
  • a high- security facility to perform work on Select Agents;
  • veterinary skills and support services;
  • Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) compliant studies; and
  • studies conducted by a third party, as often required by the Food and Drug Administration.

Current NE-RBL investigators at the Cummings School, members of its highly regarded Division of Infectious Diseases, have expertise in multiple BEID categories; in particular, in the biology, pathogenesis, immunopathology, pathophysiology, transmission, prevention, treatment and diagnosis of enteric infections and toxin-mediated diseases associated with food and water-borne diseases. Consultation and collaboration with Division scientists is available to support the work of outside investigators.

Additional specific expertise includes:

  • Vaccine development and evaluation, including thermostable and needle-free delivery methods.
  • Development of animal models for the evaluation of vaccine candidates and therapeutics.
  • The development and preclinical evaluation of therapeutic agents.
  • Food and water security, involving the development of sensitive detection methods for microorganisms.

Researchers in the Division of Infectious Diseases are currently investigating the following diseases, pathogens and toxins:

  • Shiga-toxin producing E. coli (STEC) and hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS)
  • Shigella dysenteriae type 1; S. flexneri spp.; S. sonnei
  • Botulinum toxins A-G
  • Cryptosporidium spp (C. parvum, C. hominis, C. meleagridis)
  • Microsporidium spp (Enterocytozoon bieneusi and Encephalitozoon intestinalis)
  • Enteric viruses (astrovirus, rotavirus, norovirus)
  • Clostridium difficile and related toxins
  • Schistosomiasis
  • Francisella tularensis
  • Tick-transmitted infections
  • Arboviruses

Work at the NE-RBL will likely focus on BSL3 level pathogens and or select agents on the NIAID priority list of Emerging and Re-emerging Diseases.

The New England Regional Biosafety Information Summary includes this and other information about the mission and capabilities of the facility.

More information about NE-RBL researchers and their specific areas of research interest can be found on the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine’s Division of Infectious Diseases website. Other Cummings School contract and collaborative research capabilities can be viewed online as well.

For more information about the New England RBL and how it can assist in your research, please contact the NE-RBL.